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University of Central Lancashire
Research Project/Studentship Description
Project ref: RS/15/28
Closing Date: 06/05/2016
School
Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
Centre
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Proposed Director of Studies
Dr Vicky Jones
Contact Details
[email protected]
Programme (e.g MPhil/PhD)
PhD (via MPhil)
Duration of Studentship
3 years
Full Time
Hours (Full or Part Time)
Tuition Fees
Maintenance Grant
ny Entry Requirements
(e.g. 2:1 classification/restricted to UK residences only)
Paid
£7000 pa
Applicants should have, or be expecting to
receive, a 2.1 Hons degree (or equivalent) in
a relevant subject.
Project Title
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease risk genes in neuronal and astrocytic dysfunction.
Project Description
Most of our knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) comes from studying the
inherited form of the disease, yet over 95% of affected individuals are affected by the
late-onset, sporadic form (LOAD). Recently, a set of allelic variants (small variations
in genes which differ from individual to individual) have been identified as risk-factors
for developing LOAD. This project will analyse a panel of risk genes known to be
involved in proper neuronal and glial morphology, survival and function. Importantly,
even the specific effect of the allelic variations of these genes is not known, but is
thought to influence gene expression levels. This will be established as part of the
project. These genes therefore represent previously unexplored therapeutic targets
for exploitation.
Synaptic plasticity is the way in which neurones establish and adapt their connectivity
and is critical for the processes or learning and memory. Thus, testing how the genes
of interest affect the basic and experience-dependent changes in morphology of
neurones and in synaptic function will be a main aim of the program.
Astrocytes are essential for the proper functioning of neurones. This subset of glial
cells contributes to neuronal defence in pathology (including AD) and are found in
intimate contact with synapses, where they can modulate synaptic function and
plasticity. Crucially, morphological changes in astrocytes have been observed at the
early pre-plaque stages in AD animal models, hindering astrocyte-neurone
interactions - potentially accelerating synapse loss and ultimately contributing to
neuronal death. Consequently, establishing whether the genes of interest influence
astrocyte morphology and reactivity will be another main aim of the proposed project.
To undertake this project you will be trained in performing: neuronal and astrocytic
culture preparation, protein overexpression and knock down using viral vectors, gene
editing, fluorescence imaging techniques, patch-clamp electrophysiology in
hippocampal slices, behavioural analysis.
Research Student Specification
Studentship Ref
Number
RS/15/28
Project Title:
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease risk genes in neuronal and
astrocytic dysfunction.
School:
Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
Contact:
Dr Vicky Jones
Attributes
Closing Date:
Essential
06/05/2016
Desirable
Measured By
Education/Qualifications
Applicants should
have, or be expecting
to receive, a 2.1 Hons
degree (or equivalent)
in a relevant subject.
An IELTS (Academic)
score of 6.5 minimum
(or equivalent) is
essential for
candidates for whom
English is not their
first language.
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Application
form
Experience
General lab
experience gained as
part of an
undergraduate
degree.
Experience of molecular
biological, cell culture or
electrophysiological
techniques would be
desirable.
Application
form and
interview
Skills/Abilities
Excellent written and
spoken English.
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Application
form and
interview
Personal Details
A keen desire to
undertake research
into
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Application
form and
interview
neurodegenerative
disorders